The Four Great Elements Constitute All Material Forms

Every material phenomenon is composed of the four fundamental elements. Even earth is formed by the four fundamental elements; water is also formed by the four fundamental elements; fire is also formed by the four fundamental elements; wind is also formed by the four fundamental elements. Therefore, material phenomena possess various functions, not merely a single function. Water possesses not only moisture and the capacity to submerge, but also force, temperature, and mobility. Wind possesses not only the quality of drifting, but also force, temperature, and hardness—blowing against the body causes a sensation of pain. Fire possesses not only temperature and the capacity to burn, but also force, drifting motion, and moisture. Earth possesses not only hardness, but also moisture and temperature, as well as mobility.